Friday, March 10, 2017

FACE-OFF FRIDAY: Honorary Black Belts

IT'S FACE-OFF FRIDAY!

Recently, Keanu Reeves was awarded an Honorary Black Belt in Judo from Olympic Gold Medalist Tadahiro Nomura, for recognition of the use of Judo in "John Wick 2".

Some folks out in the world think this is a bad thing. They believe that "honorary" rank in any martial art, especially black belt, cheapens the "real" black belts we earn by training for years and years.

Other people believe that hey, it's an honorary rank. If Reeves doesn't claim to be a Judo Black Belt - and there is no indication that he does - they don't see the harm in such an award. It is an award, like a trophy or plaque. Recognizing helping popularize your martial art via films is just fine.